There’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

Front label of the 2015 Trader Joe's Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120. It's rarity for two reasons. The price and its red label.

Fast Facts: 2015 Trader Joe’s Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120,  Rioja, Spain ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) A few months back, our Wine of the Week (hereinafter, WoW!) was a Crianza Rioja, also from Trader Joe’s. You have no doubt memorized that review, in case of a pop quiz.  But in case your memory is … Read moreThere’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

A “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

Store display of the 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura at Trader Joe's

Fast facts: 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura $5.49 (@Trader Joe’s; California)   Where does the time go? We last reviewed the 2016 vintage of this wine in 2018.  Like everything else, the price has gone up quite a bit since them.  Back then it was priced at a rather ridiculous (in retrospect) $3.49.  But … Read moreA “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

93 Points for $11.99 Makes it a Good Time Get to Know Monastrell

Glass and bottle of Juan Gil 2018 Monastrell from Costco

Fast facts: 2018 Juan Gil Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain ($11.99 @ Costco, California – Item #967359)   There is a lot to like about this wine. For starters, it is made of 100% Certified Organic Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grapes. Then there is the 93 point rating bestowed by none other than Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. All this … Read more93 Points for $11.99 Makes it a Good Time Get to Know Monastrell

A Tasty $4.99 Red Wine from Trader Joe’s – and a Handy Sangria Hack from Us.

Front label of Las Resas 2017 Monastrell from Trader Joe's

Fast facts: 2017 Las Resas Monastrell, Bullas, Spain  ($4.99@Trader Joe’s,  California) Summer is a good time to talk about serving temperatures for wine.  Especially since if you’re like me, reds at room temperature don’t cut it when it’s hot outside. In my house, we use the refrigerator for white wines and a dedicated wine fridge … Read moreA Tasty $4.99 Red Wine from Trader Joe’s – and a Handy Sangria Hack from Us.

Trader Joe’s has a red for your white and blue – just $5.99!

Front label of Oxte The Silence red wine blend from Trader Joe's, via Spain

Fast facts: 2019 Oxte The Silence, Red Wine Blend, Cariñena, Spain ($5.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) Let’s start with the most important part: this is an remarkably polished and elegant wine, especially considering its price. It is comprised of 40% Tempranillo, 25% Syrah, 25% Garnacha (aka Grenache) and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A good summer-weight food wine, … Read moreTrader Joe’s has a red for your white and blue – just $5.99!

Your Costco Wine Shopping List is Here!

Display of Precision Napa Cabernet in Costco store.

  Here’s a Fast Friday update for two wines to look for if you find yourself at Costco this weekend. Fast facts: 2016 Peñamonte, Toro, Castilla y Leon, Spain   ($7.99 @Costco; California, Product #: 1353948) 2017 Precision Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California ($12.99@Costco; California, Product #: 1359634) Note the 90 point shout out … Read moreYour Costco Wine Shopping List is Here!

A TJs Excursion to Spain – both red, delicious, and under $10!

Both of these wines from Trader Joe’s are Spanish reds, but are stylistically quite different. Fast facts: 2016 Satis Dei, Syrah-Garnacha, Terra Alta, Spain ($8.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) 2014 Condado de Oriza, Reserva Ribera del Duero ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) Are you tired of me pointing out how good the wine values coming out of … Read moreA TJs Excursion to Spain – both red, delicious, and under $10!

At $6.99 Costco Makes it Easy to Get to Know Rioja

Bottle of 2014 Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva, Spain

“Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva is an elegant wine made from 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in the region of Rioja.  Aged 36 months in oak barrels prior to release, this ruby-colored wine has intense, spicy aromas with a hint of licorice.  Vanilla flavors on the palate leave a pleasant lingering, well-balanced finish.”